Hallways Of Grey [LP]

*Fragments of the past intersect with a dynamic sonic vision on Hallways of Grey, the second full length from Corker. Expanding upon the dense, rhythmic post-punk of their 2023 debut-the Cincinnati group have not only tightened the screws on their repertoire, they've upped the ante significantly. Decamping from drab studio confines to the expanses of an Indiana farm, Hallways of Grey finds the collective style and creativity of Corker flourishing. While the delivery and dark-to-light balance might echo shades of what Adrian Borland patented decades ago, Corker add their own color (more than just grey, mind you) in a convincing manner across the album. Lead cuts, "Distant Dawn" and "Vital Fall" showcase the range and dexterity that Ohio seems to inherently cultivate, but tracks like "Forever Silent" (featuring Angie Willcutt from Artificial Go and ROD) and the finale, "No Necessities", are like a death trip from the cosmos down to the factory floor. It's a focused frenzy towards the finish line, a rush of calculated execution, a mad dash run with style.